"So you're telling me there's a place that can help my summon get stronger? Is this a joke or something?"
Mirelia crossed her arms, clearly skeptical. To her, she only knew that salamanders for example thrived on volcanos—and even then, she didn't know much about land creatures in general.
"Just trust me on this," Biron replied. "It's got a great view—if you can ignore all the insects. But seriously, it'll be good for your Budling. And I've told you a hundred times already, I'm not interested in Selka, her family, or yours. I just want to help you. We started as a team, and I plan to stay a team."
Biron was so caught up in what he was saying that he even grabbed her by the shoulders without thinking.
Mirelia's cheeks turned red at the sudden gesture. She looked like she was about to push him away, but he quickly let go, realizing his mistake.
"Sorry, Mirelia. I know you don't like physical contact. But please understand—I'm looking out for you on this one. You might not have the salamander, but I do. And that actually makes your Budling even better."
He stepped back, more composed now.
"We cover each other's weaknesses. You can handle water monsters, I'll take care of fire. There's a long road ahead of us—we've got at least five more years at this school. And we're just getting started. So how about it? Let me help you, at least."
Mirelia stared at him for a few seconds before sighing.
She knew she'd been wrong. Losing that fight while they were supposed to be a team had filled her with guilt, and she'd avoided him out of shame.
But if what he was saying was true—if there was a way for her and her Budling to get stronger—then maybe she didn't have to walk in her brother's shadow forever.
Maybe she could carve her own path.
"Fine," she said quietly. "I'll believe in you. Please help me and my Budling get stronger. I won't let you down next time… Biron. And… thanks."
The girl's cheeks turned slightly red, and when she couldn't bear it any longer, she turned away and began walking off.
"Now let me go eat. I'm hungry, and we only have twenty minutes left after all this talking."
Biron smiled wide and followed her.
The rest of the day went by with the usual studies and physical exercises. Biron was at least glad that Mirelia looked a little better and didn't ignore him outright.
His plan was coming together. They would need to wait two more nights for the weekend and try to enter on Abyssol—the equivalent of Saturday in this world.
Thankfully, there were no exams that week, and school was relatively easy.
As he walked with Mirelia toward the academy gates, ready to head home, he spotted Selka watching from afar.
She simply shook her head before turning and walking away after seeing that he was back with Mirelia.
Biron didn't know if what he was doing was the right choice, but it felt like a step in the right direction.
The next two days passed in a flash. On the third day, their meeting was set for late afternoon, just before nightfall.
He had a hard time convincing his new adoptive parents he was going to visit a friend. In the end, he got Weldon to sign a fake assignment sheet claiming they were working on a group project. That was enough to get permission to leave.
Mirelia, on the other hand, had it easier. Her family had placed her in the girls' dorm, and as long as she was present before curfew, no one would question her.
Tonight, she planned to skip roll call.
Not that it mattered—most of the school would probably assume she went home for the weekend.
Being part of the Valcyne family, the school didn't question Mirelia's actions too closely.
The two met just outside the school grounds, near the training field.
Sneaking in would've been difficult—if not for Mirelia's last name.
The guard only let her through after she claimed she needed to return an important book belonging to the Valcyne family.
The leather-bound volume looked prestigious enough to convince him, and she entered without trouble.
Soon, the two moved into position. They weren't planning to stay long—just to test the grounds.
If the area truly benefited land-based summons, they would return another time to train properly.
Both were prepared to get their pants wet.
Mirelia, however, had brought a special waterproof brooch that kept her clothes dry, a clear reminder of her family's wealth and influence.
"Why didn't you bring one of those for me…" Biron muttered, already soaked from the waist down.
"I may come from a powerful family, but if I ordered two, they'd start asking questions," Mirelia replied with a shrug. "They're not cheap, you know."
She tucked the brooch away and grimaced as she looked around.
"I don't suppose you can let your salamander out and burn them all?" she asked, eyeing the insects and flying pests crowding the area.
Biron chuckled—only to realize she wasn't joking.
"You know my salamander doesn't exactly have the best aim yet… I don't want any accidents, so let's just go."
He swallowed hard and stepped forward. The bugs weren't as bad as they could've imagined, but they were still unpleasant.
Mirelia, on the other hand, wasn't about to take chances. She summoned her Budling, ready to blast anything that dared fly too close.
As they passed deeper into the forest, they noticed something strange: only the strongest insects could approach a certain distance.
The weaker ones were kept at bay, driven off by stronger predators that dominated the area.
Those predators, however, were easily startled.
A few well-aimed Bullet Seeds from Mirelia's Budling were enough to scare them off—or even take them down.
"Well, at least the insects have aether," Mirelia said, wiping her brow. "I felt a few give me power. If I defeat enough of them, then maybe…"
She smiled, glad that part of the plan was already working. But her expression changed the moment she felt the power of the tree.
Because she had a land-elemental summon, she could feel the aether flow directly, subtle waves of energy reaching out to her, brushing against her skin, and pulling her attention toward the towering trunk ahead.
Biron, who had moved up beside her, noticed the change in her expression.
She was staring up in awe, just like the Eluwyn boy had a few days before.
As if the tree wasn't just a tree… but something ancient.